Build a Sprinter 144 that lives like a 170!

[@a.w.thompson4001]

George, you could make a phone book entertaining! Your presentation was a delight of both humor and clarity. Those mock-ups are a fabulous tool for design and making customers happy with the final product. So good to make adjustments before committing the $. And this vehicle has such fun challenges, giving you an opportunity to innovate. You really should have a million subscribers.

[@user-wp7zn8ii5u]

I quote Lily Tomlin "no matter how cynical I get it is never enough". Thanks for the great videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

So true!

[@karenm6914]

Definitely the best builder in the camper world

[@Scrambler85]

The channel should be called "Genius By George "

[@LJ-jq8og]

💯

[@esparka]

George of the Jingle…. What with all of the gadgets, brainstorms and, yes, jingles he produces on this show…

[@robertaaugustini4091]

Truth!

[@karenm6914]

Total 💯

[@esparka]

Well, actually, no. This channel should be called Humble Road…. the winning reason? That’s what George the channel owner has named it…

[@joecintron4734]

Morning George, Regarding the bike, why not mount the bike rack inside the door? By opening the door you’re already outside of the van. You’ve eliminated one step. Pneumatic shocks to lower the bike or some of the other viewers had good ideas to lower the bike as well. Cheers. Joe

[@HumbleRoad]

clever idea

[@brianmoore4299]

Ive been watching since the channel started. George, nobody I've seen puts the extra thought and effort in to a build like you do. You have "options", quality, safety and maximation of space.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Bike lift version 3!! (Last one, I promise!) I think the best! (?) I'm thinking "George, boats, George, boats..... winch!" Then I looked at the video again and saw the open rear door. Hinged..... away from the van... No obstruction..... Half the job done... ..... Build a box into which the bike fits. Base the dimensions on the bike in "hanging" position. Mount the box *on the rear door which must be closed first* (drivers side?) . Build the box with a hinged BOTTOM. (Supports the bike when closed) Mount a winch outside the top of the box (Could be electric or mechanical, you're the expert!) . To use, Open the doors. Remove any fixing straps securing the bike into the box, (could have an open front face, or location points for "bike stuff", helmet, reapir kit, etc?) . Unlock and lower the bottom flap on the box. Engage winch. No sliding, swinging, maximum use of space (Its a SHORT van!! 😉) . If the box is wider than the door it doesn't matter. That door closes before the other one. The bike can cross the Centreline of the van. . The only feature required is that the bike swings a few degrees away from the door to allow a clean drop and raise, but that's just down to the upper mounting location for the winch. . When I say "box"... That was just for visualization. It could be a winch on a bracket, and a 3(?) point bike mounting, or a custom "hook bracket" for the bike with velcro or webbing quick release. . I'm going for a lie down.

[@ArlineVinson]

Love all your videos❣️. This one really shows more of your creative talents. Enjoyed reading all the comments and their suggestions. I too will be watching the progress and final build. Many Blessings

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much!

[@lacylobdell7455]

Your mock-ups are amazing! And by the way, ‘syndical you’ had me cracking up

[@llainfactor]

Great channel, I had no idea I was driving around a celebrity of this magnitude

[@vickief.dreamin]

Hi George. Excellent planning on this build,as always. So personal to the customer. The IsoTherm Dr160 is a great idea but the 5.5 cu ft volume might not be enough for a chef unless she is only cooking for herself most of the time or doesn’t need space for leftover ingredients or meals. With that beautiful galley, I would think she would want more. Space is an issue, yes. It is nice to see the shower armoire return. The inviting entry is very appealing. Nice details as always. BTW…I seem to remember, ‘Cooking with George’ videos so you are a chef when you want/or have time to be.😅

[@Tesla-Cannon]

Clever presentation at the beginning! Seeing the most simple of routines really grounds the idea of what the daily feel is like (especially because mornings set the tone for the whole day).

[@conniewaite1371]

Pure genius. I shouldnt be blown away , but i am ...everytime.

[@mendyboio3917]

I totally needed this introduction with sound effects today. Thank you for making me smile!

[@onobed62]

Great ideas George, especially the wardrobe in the shower! May I point out regarding the garage. You mentioned the ideas regarding the foldable bike, yet you seem to have forgotten if the client opts to include an oven. If so, that will hamper most of your bike ideas; or rather, you have to figure out new ones once you have the oven installed (i.e. taking a substantial amount of space in the middle of the garage)

[@Greg_Gatsby]

I was thinking the same thing. 👍

[@vincecarluccio5018]

One word: innovation! So many new RVs these days are just copies of already existing models. Thank you.

[@AllenKrughoff]

Love that opening, looking forward to seeing it finished! Nice George

[@Clark-N1NVK]

When I worked for a utility we had ladder racks (Electric and manual) that would lift a 14 foot 70 pound ladder to the roof and lock it in place. It would lower it to shoulder height at an angle to make it easy to carry... That should be adaptable to a kayak.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks we will look into it

[@duncanbrown7160]

For the bike think about adapting a fridge slide? Used a lot in UTEs in Australia - they slide and then drop down to give access to top load fridges and can take a good weight (like a ebike). Really well thought out build as ever. Thanks for sharing

[@jmwintenn]

for the bike tray, in australia the overland guys have their fridges on a special slide that slides out and then tilts down at an angle or drops down a few inches. if that bike isn't heavy,maybe check those out.

[@LJ-jq8og]

AWESOME BUILD GM💪❤ with brilliant armoire concept... Classic HR craftsmanship. Like the idea of no windows too ... Far better for security and privacy for today's world... Simple toilet is also the ONLY way to go too... Your BUYERS benefit from your real-world experience in ways they will never fully appreciate.

[@dannybordelon2494]

Here is a thought, the pivot setup on an rear bumper external tire mount that swings away from the vehicle to access the rear barn doors of the vehicle could be used as a mounting platform for a small winch to pick up the bike and swing it out from the vehicle and then lower it. You would flip this upside down and mount it close to the roof

[@Samuel10463]

Huge space by the entry door could be utilized for a hidden shower, but left unused and wasted. The armoire trick wouldn't be needed then, which would increase storage capacity drastically. Also, if to make armoire's door open the other way, toward driver seat, then it wouldn't be limited by the countertop height and as result have more storage. 👍

[@dindog22]

I can't wait to see this one finished. can't believe you got a shower and everything in there

[@markmauro2569]

Will be so interesting to watch the ideas unfold. Enjoy!

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Finally a 144. As a chef myself I volunteer to do a test antipasto.Fra Diablo and Spumoni dinner With fresh garlic bread of course. Can’t wait to see it finished. Can’t wait to show you my 144 fall 2024

[@HumbleRoad]

Sounds great!

[@simpleliving3506]

Some great ideas. Something to consider for the bike at the back, what about extending crane rails with a hand crank for raising and lowering the bike? Also may give you space below the bike and allow you to use the space that would be occupied by the slide tray normally? Look at bike lifts for garage storage for reference using pulleys. Great work, as always.

[@Tikitanedad]

I was thinking about my mother‘s wheelchair lift platform in her Toyota sienna as a possibility for your bike. However, something like that would take up way too much space. Another family member had a scooter they kept in the back of a Honda pilot. The mobility store, installed an electric winch on a pedestal. It had a swing arm, so you would attach it to the scooter, lift it up a few inches to clear the threshold of the rear door, then swing it out and lower it to the ground. It was pretty basic. But it actually worked well. I’m sure you could design something much better. Just a thought. PS I love your videos. I’ve learned a lot from them and I enjoy your goofy personality too. thanks for sharing with all of us.

[@derek3992]

I can't wait to watch this van come together! She's gonna be a beauty George.

[@sohailchaudry2240]

George, Im buying a 144 your. ideas are superb. Your delivery, brilliant. Im from Canada and have made a promise to myself to see your shop one day. god bless you! and gods speed on the build.

[@improvagility5516]

Love the Colonial Airstream coffee cup 😊!

[@HumbleRoad]

You noticed!

[@stvm]

Brilliant shower storage. Not the van layout for me, but I might be able to fit a shower in my Transit?! Love the templating technique too. Really get a feel for it before committing to a build

[@tammieconnerystephens2379]

Have you looked at the Kayak rack from Thule. I had this on my 4Runner and it worked AWESOME for a 4’ 11” woman. The kayak I had on it was about 60 lbs and long. I would highly recommend. Hope this helps. Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks for the tip!

[@christinamacintyre9972]

its going to be interesting seeing the kayak setup too

[@MikeLasruk]

Looking forward to see the end result, hope they go all out.

[@JohnDoe_toetag]

Kayak rack sounds a lot like a ladder rack. Looking forward to what you come up with.

[@TwinOnDaMove]

🤣 George makes me laugh all the time and you get his passion and expertise, so enjoyable to watch!

[@evansvanlife3033]

George, 5 star for the video edit, the van as always excellent !

[@Dulsanaya]

George, there are ladder racks that roll down the side from the roof. Might do a search and see if that would help with the kayak.

[@MikeKilo1969]

George, 1. Looking at the kitchen counter overhang in the garage you may be able to use drawer slides with a hand crank to slide out and lower/raise the bike. Like adapting a “happy Jack” on a smaller scale. You’d have to reinforce the kitchen counter as it’ll be assuming the load. My second idea would be to look at the wheelchair mechanisms that are used in vans and adapt for size/weight. 2. In the foyer, I like the idea of matching the 45 degree angle of the shower box, on the kitchen counter. 3. If the client doesn’t want an oven below the cooktop, as you discussed, that would be a great place for a trash can with a trash shoot so she doesn’t need to pull it out. Chefs like to optimize the “cooking triangle” of sink, oven, prep area. 4. The client may want to consider overhead storage above the bed to store bedding while in futon mode. Good luck, my friend. 🫡

[@yvan2563]

I second the idea of adding that 45° at the end of the kitchen counter. It would be a perfect place for small storage shelves, accessible when you enter the van.

[@adriankung1625]

Jeez! You could have worked for NASA back in the day! This is *glorious* in it's sophistication while maintaining a certain simplicity! Can't wait to see the end result on this one. Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@HumbleRoad]

Wow, thanks!

[@HiruS22]

The lengths you go to for your Cardboard Aided Design are astounding 👏 No wonder people are queuing up to have you build their vans.

[@hongshi8251]

I always enjoy watching this channel. The client wants something and you build it. Cool

[@marykaylayman1078]

Love the ingenuity you put into your thought process ❤

[@jennifergraham9679]

Looking forward to seeing the progress of this build.

[@pebblesdd4947]

Another beaut, George! A drop down slide out tray for hefty fold up bike is everything. Also love the evolution of shower cabinet. Options!

[@myrnamicheo7251]

Love it! Cannot wait to see the real build!

[@lynnekerr3890]

Good morning, all! George. Wow. I look forward to the evolution. That armoire into shower was in the back of my mind…nice to see it looking so promising. It’s the only way to have a shower I’ve been fully interested in, on any van. ( although Van One was pretty cool).

[@stuartstuart866]

Wow, the shower armoire idea really does make use of wasted space. That is such a great idea.

[@asnormal1362]

Your videos always are informative and inspirational but SO much fun too (loved the gag of leaving the kettle on the hot burner). Thanks for the chuckle! That Isotherm DR160 is such a luxury and I hope it makes it into the final design. At 35.5" in height, a custom (removable?) half inch thick cutting board on top would be nice. Lots of good ideas on storing the eBike in the comments. I've seen them attached to the inside of the rear door. It's a handy design and as the dimensions of the bike (folded) are 30 x 15 x 21 (L x W x H), it should fit the port side rear door (especially as that door must be closed first as several comments have pointed out.) At 40 lbs, I don't think a winch or lift would be needed but a small pulley might work if it turns out the bike is a bit heavy to lift onto the brackets. With a narrow removable ramp, the bike could even be rolled up into the garage then hung on the door from the inside. Just a thought.

[@dudeleboski2692]

Double thumbs up George!

[@ovmn]

Another work of art… can’t wait to see it finished

[@doma3384]

For the bike tray, consider a stowable beam above and lowering aising the bike on a pulley (like a little crane)! Looks like another great build in the works

[@simonaranica8182]

Really ingenious George! The best van builder 👏👍

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

❤❤❤ I appreciate you soooooo much George!❤❤❤

[@dpalmer1557]

Love what you are doing with the place George.😂

[@Matt_DB]

Gonna need some heavy duty struts for that bike. Some models weigh around 100lbs. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@HumbleRoad]

This particular bike is 35-40 lbs

[@rogerstarkey5390]

​@@HumbleRoad 40, I checked.

[@mikesakas]

Overhead gantry in the garage for the bike... Kayak.. there is one of those roof top tents that folds up/down in a kewl way.. with leverage...

[@bonnierodger7719]

We are building our 170’ EXT Sprinter. When I get STUCK! I watch you and get back to work. Way to go 80/20! I love it. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@fransubaru]

Great ideas!!

[@lisahorowitz1475]

This is a great build! i would add the windows over the couch/bed.....but I like light!

[@stopneverstop]

great vids, maybe a rail coming from inside the end of the cupboard with a pully system to raise and lower.... :-)

[@fountainvalley100]

Effective use of space. The most effective use I’ve seen is in Earthcruisers units. They put the shower in the entryway.

[@jodymooney255]

Your thought process is more than a grand slam George! Incredible work!❤

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much 😀

[@leonardcroft1467]

Thanks George Always Enjoy Your Humble Road Videos !!

[@susan53226]

Wow, so many brilliant ideas here! Super refreshing.

[@1monagale]

Excellent as always! Bravo!🎉

[@jamesl1130]

Love Your Designs

[@gregjohnson9051]

Awesome build ideas!

[@KatyInNH]

Best.Van. Design.Ever for this application! So fantastic! So many extraordinary ideas!!!! Can’t wait to see the evolution!!!

[@stuartkorte1642]

For bike a little 80/20 jib crane. Lol forward to seeing this being built.

[@kenjimiyake5631]

Very innovative George!

[@lindac446]

As always, brilliant. BUT as a woman, or for seniors, a drop down ramp for the bike might be useful .. after a long ride, a tumble, etc?

[@owe140]

To create space for “full” closet door swing space: 1. Position sink & isotherm 2~4” to the right/back 2. At the galley entrance on the passenger side, angle (45*) the corner for 2~4” (parallel with angled shower wall) creating a slightly larger entrance passageway 3. With the newly created dead space open up the end cap of the passenger side cabinet (between isotherm & end cap) for cubbies when entering side van door 4. Or recess/embed fold down/out table top in that space

[@rennlunaa]

1000th like!! amazing and inspiring work as always. when are you going to be beginning van building classes / apprenticeships?!

[@HumbleRoad]

Maybe one day!

[@wayneullman5079]

What you describe for the kayak sounds similar to commercial ladder lifts I’ve seen on vans for electricians etc.

[@linz_in_NZ]

One Man and his whippet has a kayak rack on top of his MWB VW Crafter that he operates on his own - might be worth a look through his videos to see how it works - from memory he has a roller at the rear, then a catch of some sort at the front that I think he can release from on the ground. His MWB Crafter is a different layout from most bigger vans, so worth a look. He bought it second hand but had it re-vamped with a custom wood interior a couple of years ago by All Things Timber who specialise in Kombi vans. (VW Crafter Campervan re-fit video).

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for the tip! 🙏

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

For the kayak rack they have ladder racks that do what you describe. Perhaps adapt one or just borrow parts of the design.

[@HuddlesAbound]

Tooenjoy makes a universal lift assist roof rack for kayaks and bicycles. Check it out for your kayak needs coming up. With the hydraulic lift assist, you can easily get a kayak on the roof rack and back down. EZPZ. Brilliant design in this video. I love the counter space.

[@skapet]

Nice build!

[@themekfrommars]

Controversial thought - what if both doors hinge on the left and deliberately intersect and secure to the end unit carcass? Massive shower plus toilet/shower privacy within-van? Also, is it worth considering a low-tech pull-out self-supporting trolley for storage to leverage the space between the toilet and bulkhead? How about turning the bulkhead into a sliding door for privacy for this now massive bathroom?

[@asnormal1362]

Cool idea for a tall pull-out pantry behind the drivers seat. The steel bulkhead is way too thin and difficult to frame and it also is not flat and smooth (it is stamped in a multitude of bump-outs for strength). If cut in two, the panels wouldn't slide past one another.

[@thecorbettchronicles]

Ooo! George! That kayak issue made me think of the drop down clothing racks ppl have. I think they’re like Blum or Sugatsune hinges… Could also have a spring latch lock that opens with a long tether handle that you pull to disengage. …and have the rack click lock back into place when raised back up. (I can see it in my brain but dunno if the vision is coming across)

[@HumbleRoad]

I’ll start searching

[@Amit_Kumar_Trivedi]

The Armoire is 45degrees, cut the edge of the table parallel to this part of armoire. This will provide space to make it bigger and allow you to open it without hitting the table. Also, that obstruction from that corner jutting out in the welcoming flow into the van will be lessened. Less visual cluttering

[@HumbleRoad]

There is a refrigerator right there on that corner. There's no cutting that corner.

[@dg5433]

There’s even room for a small shoe box/seat come footstall for the swivel seat at the end of the kitchen galley. Just shape the inside edge to match the lead in angle of the shower box to keep the entry inviting 🤔

[@gkseeton]

I love that kitchen. and the shower, wow! Does the toilet slide out to use?

[@alliejr]

BRILLIANT!!!

[@GetOutBeHappy]

Wow, that is absolutely crazy. Cannot wait to see the compitition on this one. Way cool!

[@milissad]

Brilliant!

[@user9b2]

10:37 would you consider a pop out shower curtain rod - to give better elbow room?

[@HumbleRoad]

Absolutely!

[@purdypart]

​@HumbleRoad saw a review of that water heater on thrive vans, and it sounds like you need a very very slow flow and psi for showers or it is not good at keeping the water hot... of course, the rinse, soap, rinse, turn off in between is what we all know to do... but do you have any recs for luxury shower builds where the tanks are huge, the flow and pressure are high and the water heater can keep up without being plugged in to shore??? Also, we have really good gas strut, or hydraulic powered lowering and raising armatures for ladders, scba's, and other heavy tools that are stored up high then lowered to accessibility on fire engines and ladder trucks... just be willing to pay a pretty penny... or reverse engineer and have a TIG welder on site.

[@RA-rf4nz]

I find your design approach so thorough and detailed. I also understand the importance of using the cardboard trial approach as a must use tool. After watching your Mini-Me van build videos, I was wondering what your thoughts are on "nano-van" builds like Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey conversions. Do you have any design advice for people wanting to use the highly reliable van base frameworks for long road trip/camping vehicles or even "van-life"? Forget about it or that's just crazy cool and challenging? No way for indoor kitchen or possible indoor kitchen?

[@HumbleRoad]

Not sure if they can handle the weight of a build?

[@RA-rf4nz]

@@HumbleRoadDefinitely not for large battery banks and/or water storage. Removing passenger seats adds about 210 lbs to the standard 1300 lb cargo max payload capacity and the ones with V6 engine have 3500 lb tow capacity. So long as the build is less than 1000 lbs -- it should be ok but may still need to consider springs and shocks upgrade? How much does a Mini-Me build add in weight?

[@kimruss6476]

Making dreams come true for another lucky lady!!!! Love, love, love the shower and armoire combo, ingenious! Can't wait to see what you do with the armoire as it will likely be the focal point. She'll want a pantry to accompany her beautiful kitchen. 🍜🍤🍽

[@tug1345]

This is a neat looking van, the shower box is great but the top door why not hinge it further round so it reduces the arc when it's opening and when it's fully open the door would be right on top of the bed/ bench, leaving the whole aisleway clear even when showering or using the loo

[@HumbleRoad]

The hinge point is not on the farthest corner. It's on the first corner, which, when fully opened, rests on the 45

[@tug1345]

@HumbleRoad yeah that's right, but if you move the hinge point further round, you have 3 benefits, 1 the opening arc would be narrower , the opening to the shower will be wider at the top and when the door is fully open it would right over in line with the bed, the door face would actually run along the other van side, it's hard to describe but try it on the cardboard make the join either on the outer post or even part way along the side , above where the bed is

[@darencooper409]

Love your planning George! If she opts for the stove/oven combo that would seem to make the bike storage plan a bit more difficult as it would take up quite a bit of garage storage. It's awesome how much you are fitting in such a small van!

[@steveaaron6541]

I'd love to see you do a design for a mobile master bedroom. No kitchen. Just a big walk around bed, with TV at foot of bed, and very large bathroom. Hotel room on wheels. I eat at restaurants when on the road, so no need for any kind of kitchen.

[@TeutonicNordwind]

Good on the propane stove & oven! Any chef worth their salt wants a flame, not induction. Have never understood people's irrational fear of propane, especially when in a sealed compartment.

[@mermaidvanvb]

If you figure the lowering of bike - I'd LOVE it!! They are heavy

[@ccartee1]

Very creative with the foley work. Has anyone commented about how much you look like Jon Stewart from Daily Show? (In case you need more creative ideas for more bits. 😎😂)

[@jameslamb7300]

What about the Oven? If you do install the Oven, how is the Bicycle going to fit? Store the Bicycle on its side, on the automated mechanical storage tray under the oven? Nice work, Sir.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Bike lift Mark 2! . Imagine a drawer. Rotate 90° so it still pulls towards you. Move the now "bottom" rail away from you to the extent that what was the rectangular "drawer base" is now a 60/30° parallelogram. (The top runner "sticks out"). On the now vertical "base" mount 3 pulley wheels (about 2"dia,1" wide) in a triangle (equilateral? and as large as possible) drill a hole in the centre of the triangle. Fix the end of a bungee to that centre point . Wind the bungee around the triangle (as many times as required) and along the top runner. Mount another pulley to the end of that runner. Postion the bungee over that pulley, hook down. . You now have essentially a "crane like" structure. . Mount the upper rail to the underside of the worktop, the lower rail to the van floor such that the whole assembly slides out the back of the van. . Extend and attach a suitable weight. . Adjust the length/ strength of bungee to provide ±5lbs of lift/ drop effort over the range of movement required..... Err on the side of balance at the upper level(?) . Scallop the now vertical "plate" between the runners to allow space for the folded bike. fashion a mechanism such that it holds the weight steady when at the "down" position with minimal "snap". . Pat yourselves on the back.